England Recall Dan Lawrence as Jordan Cox Set for No. 3 Role Against Pakistan

England has officially named a 16-man squad for the first two matches of the upcoming three-Test series against Pakistan. National selectors recalled Dan Lawrence after a two-year absence and promoted Jordan Cox to the vital number three batting position. 

England are embarking on a new era following the retirement of Ben Stokes and the departure of head coach Brendon McCullum. The first Test begins at Headingley on August 19. Joe Root will captain the English side into this Test series.

Jordan Cox Steps into Crucial Number 3 Spot

Jordan Cox will take over the first-drop batting role for the Pakistan series. This decision follows a season-ending knee injury to Jacob Bethell, who previously held the spot. Bethell hurt his right knee during the recent ODI series against India and must now undergo a long recovery programme. Consequently, Cox moves up the order after making his Test debut at number seven against New Zealand earlier this summer.

Although Cox has only batted at number three once in first-class cricket, he has frequently opened the innings for his county. National selector Marcus North expressed great confidence in the young batter’s ability. North described Cox as one of the most exciting talents in English cricket and believes he has the temperament to succeed in this demanding role.

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Dan Lawrence Returns to Boost Middle Order

Surrey batter Dan Lawrence has earned his first Test call-up in two years. He replaces the retired Ben Stokes in the middle order and will likely bat at number six. Lawrence forced his way back into the team through incredible domestic form. He currently sits as the second-highest run-scorer in Division One of the County Championship.

During the current season, Lawrence has scored 788 runs at an average of 65.66. This tally includes a competition-leading five centuries. Beyond his batting, Lawrence provides useful right-arm off-spin bowling. His ability to bowl will help England balance the team, especially with Joe Root also available to bowl spin.

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Joe Root Leads England as Test Captain

Joe Root returns to the captaincy for his first assignment since Ben Stokes retired from international cricket. This series also marks a transition in the coaching staff. While Stephen Fleming has been appointed as the new head coach, he will not formally take charge until the winter tour of South Africa.

Therefore, Marcus Trescothick will act as the interim head coach for the three Tests against Pakistan. However, Fleming was heavily involved in the selection process. Marcus North confirmed that he had long conversations with Fleming to ensure the squad matches the new coach’s long-term strategy.

England Squad for First Two Pakistan Tests: Joe Root (Captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue 

Pakistan Series Match Schedule:

READ MORE: Babar Azam Leads Pakistan to First Away Test Win After Three Years

Bowling Reinforcements and Recalls

England’s 16-man squad features seven fast bowlers to handle a busy schedule. Brydon Carse returns to the team after recovering from wrist and elbow injuries. He had been sidelined for several months but is now fit to lead the attack alongside Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson.

Sam Cook also returns to the Test fold. He made his only Test appearance against Zimbabwe last year and has remained a consistent performer for Essex. Furthermore, Ollie Robinson kept his place in the squad. Robinson took seven wickets during his comeback match against New Zealand at Lord’s before missing the rest of that series.

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